William “Bill” Barber Jr.

Have a problem? Ask Bill. Family and co-workers constantly sought his knowledge; at work they called him “The Advisor.” A lifetime of experience in the oil business left him with the know-how to do just about anything. He started working as a boy with his dad at his Raccoon Oil company and in his adult years he’d work for Mobile, Federal, and Petro as an Oil Technician. Retirement found him working with Advance Auto Parts in Gibbstown and Glassboro. His calm and soothing demeanor was usually enough to mend any crisis; his reassuring smile letting you know that he was in your corner. He maintained friendships for a lifetime and found his greatest joy in caring for those around him, shuffling people to their doctor’s appointments and even offering his home when the need would arise. Bill was a great family man; one hundred percent devoted to his kids and grandkids. He referred to his sister as “Little Sis” even though they both sported a touch of gray hair. The Barbers remained close through the years, especially recently when he’d gather all the cousins together for 1 p.m. Wednesday lunches at the Swedesboro Diner. It was his favorite spot; Bill was always the most popular patron with the waitresses. He was a Swedesboro boy to his very core; born and bred, a 1958 Swedesboro High School Graduate. He didn’t like to stray too far or too often and could tell you the town’s history, usually in the form of entertaining stories. Stock Car racing was in his blood. His family owned the 00 car for many years; Bill turned the wrenches. He enjoyed games on his computer, loved the Eagles and Sixers but hated the suffering they put us all through, bowled in a league at the Glassboro Lanes and was a previous member of the Woolwich Fire Department.

He’d see a pretty girl at a bonfire. She was with another guy, but Bill’s good looks stole the pretty Carol away. They’d share a 52-year marriage blessed by daughters, the late Karen (John) Centonzo and Dawn (Gary) Salus; grandchildren, Alexis Flores, Erika Flores, Briseis Hansen and Trace Salus; and great grandchildren, Khari Saud, Kashe Saud and Victor DeValle. He is survived by his sisters, Rose (Henry “Brick’) Brickner and Louisa Ponder.

Come celebrate 85 great years Thursday January 8, 10 a.m. to noon at Daley Life Celebration Studio, 1518 Kings Highway Swedesboro where there will be a noon Storytime service. Interment Lake Park Cemetery, Woolwich.